What's the Difference?: 10 Animal Look-Alikes

What's the difference between a butterfly and a moth? A frog and a toad? An alligator and a crocodile? Curious kids will enjoy discovering the differences between animals that frequently confuse us.

What's the Difference? compares ten animal pairs, from insects to mammals. While both tortoises and turtles are shelled reptiles, a tortoise has sturdy, elephant-like feet for walking on land, while a turtle swims using flippers. Cheetahs and leopards are both large, spotted cats; one difference is that cheetahs have long legs and run very fast, while leopards count on their stealth to sneak up behind their prey.

Compare:

• Bees and Wasps
• Butterflies and Moths
• Crows and Ravens
• Alligators and Crocodiles
• Frogs and Toads
• Tortoises and Turtles
• Cheetahs and Leopards
• Donkeys and Mules
• Dolphins and Porpoises
• Rabbits and Hares

Colorful, clear illustrations place the animals vividly in their natural environments, and the layout of the book places them side by side for easy comparison. What's the Difference? was developed in conjunction with the Canadian Museum of Nature. At the end of the book, a key to the animal pairs and an index for quick reference is provided.

Judy Diehl is a freelance editor and writer of children's literature. She ran the children's book section of a large Toronto store for 14 years. Co-author David Plumb is a horticulturist. This is his first book. Judy and David live in Kendal, Ontario.

Vlasta van Kampen graduated from the Ontario College of Art and studied typography and design in Amsterdam. Vlasta has illustrated over 30 books, including My Dad Takes Care of Me (1987), Muddle Cuddle (1997) Monkey Tales (1998) and Bear Tales (1999). Van Kampen's professional work also includes poster design and illustration, cassette and CD covers, and advertising and promotional work. She lives in Toronto with her husband.